On the Way

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
~ Psalm 84:5

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Psalm 119 ~ one to bring in the New Year

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Aleph
119:1 [1] Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules. [2]
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules [3] of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.

Gimel
17 Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules [4] at all times.
21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22 Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.

Daleth
25 My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29 Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart! [5]

He
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end. [6]
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!

Waw
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45 and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47 for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51 The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52 When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55 I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56 This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.

Heth
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!

Teth
65 You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Yodh
73 Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80 May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!

Kaph
81 My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure? [7]
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Lamedh
89 Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Mem
97 Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged, [8]
for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.

Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107 I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
109 I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end. [9]

Samekh
113 I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.

Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123 My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127 Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.

Pe
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from man's oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.

Tsadhe
137 Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139 My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140 Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.

Qoph
145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.

Resh
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Sin and Shin
161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.

Taw
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170 Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.

Footnotes
[1] 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter
[2] 119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
[3] 119:13 Or all the just decrees
[4] 119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175
[5] 119:32 Or for you set my heart free
[6] 119:33 Or keep it as my reward
[7] 119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?
[8] 119:100 Or the elders

Saturday, December 12, 2009

American Dream?

I've been thinking about this song by Switchfoot lately--good stuff from Oh Gravity!

When success is equated with excess
The ambition for excess wrecks us
As top of the mind becomes the bottom line
When success is equated with excess

If your time ain't been nothing for money
I start to feel really bad for you, honey
Maybe honey, put your money where your mouth's been running
If your time ain't been nothing but money

I want out of this machine
It doesn't feel like freedom

This ain't my American dream
I want to live and die for bigger things
I'm tired of fighting for just me
This ain't my American dream

When success is equated with excess
When we're fighting for the Beamer, the Lexus
As the heart and soul breath in the company goals
Where success is equated with excess

'Cause baby's always talkin' 'bout a ring
And talk has always been the cheapest thing
Is it true would you do what I want you to
If I show up with the right amount of bling?

Like a puppet on a monetary string
Maybe we've been caught singing
Red, white, blue, and green
But that ain't my America,
That ain't my American dream

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Perfect Space

I wanna have friends that I can trust,
that love me for the man I’ve become not the man I was.
I wanna have friends that will let me be
all alone when being alone is all that I need.
I wanna fit in to the perfect space,
feel natural and safe in a volatile place.
And I wanna grow old without the pain,
give my body back to the earth and not complain.
Will you understand when I am too old of a man?
And will you forget when we have paid our debt
who did we borrow from?

Okay part two now clear the house.
The party’s over take the shouting and the people,
get out.
I have some business and a promise that I have to hold to.
I do not care what you assume or what the people told you.
Will you understand, when I am too old of a man?
Will you forget when we have paid our debts,
who did we borrow from, who did borrow from?

I wanna have pride like my mother has,
And not like the kind in the bible that turns you bad.
And I wanna have friends that I can trust,
that love me for the man I’ve become and not the man that I was.
~ Avett Brothers

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

life mission statement revised

My Mission Statement:
To encourage others through teaching the Scriptures, deepening friendships and cultivating a life of prayer that God may be glorified in my life.


Verse

12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Hebrews 3:12-14

Friday, October 16, 2009

life mission statement draft

To find joy in encouraging people with expressing ideas from Scripture and other good books, in deepening friendships and in cultivating prayer for one another.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

ill with want ~ Avett Brothers

I am sick with wanting and it's evil and it's daunting
How I let everything I cherish lay to waste
I am lost in greed, this time it's definitely me
I point fingers but there's no one there to blame

A need for something, now let me break it down again
A need for something but not more medicine

I am sick of wanting and it's evil how it's got me
And every day is worse than the one before
The more I have the more I think I'm almost where I need to be
If only I could get a little more

A need for something, now let me break it down again
A need for something but not more medicine

Something has me, oh something has me
Acting like someone I don't wanna be
Something has me, oh something has me
Acting like someone I know isn't me
Ill with want and poisoned by this ugly greed

Temporary is my time, ain't nothing on this world that's mine
Except the will I found to carry on
Free is not your right to chose
It's answering what's asked of you
To give the love you find until it's gone

A need for something, now let me break it down again
A need for something but not more medicine

Something has me, oh something has me
Acting like someone I don't wanna be
Something has me, oh something has me
Acting like someone I know isn't me
Ill with want and poisoned by this ugly greed
Ill with want and poisoned by this ugly greed
Ill with want and poisoned by this ugly greed

Friday, June 19, 2009

Heaven's Calling

I recently finished Leanne Payne's memoir. good, stirring reading.
It left me with intense longings for emotional healing, questions, admiration for this godly woman and a desire to serve Christ more wholeheartedly.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Prodigal God

I started attending a Sunday school class today at my church on the so-called "Parable of the Prodigal Son". As Tim Keller helpfully points out in his book of the title of this blog entry, the parable should really be called "the Parable of the Two Lost Sons". Both the younger and elder brothers were 'lost' in this story. The younger one's sins were more obvious and he returned to the Father who welcomed him with a feast. The older brother was lost like the Pharisees and those seeking to find life through 'moral conformity' of our day, but did not realize it. The Father's invitation to the elder brother to come to the feast was open to him despite his disrespect towards his father. But then the story ends, leaving the outcome to the decision of the Pharisees and to other 'elder brothers' sinc that time.

I'm beginning to see more of how powerful this familiar parable is. I'm about a third of the way through Keller's book and am finding it a riveting read.

Maybe, I'll post more on this.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

eating sour bread

2 friends quoted this powerful passage to me from Isaiah 30 in the past week.
I had already posted this on facebook this week-

20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
~ Isaiah 30:20-21

Sometimes, the Lord brings us such horrendous trials but then he promises to send us the Teacher during such times to reveal to us His Word and promises to guide us during our difficult pilgrim journey. Blessed be His name!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

wisdom from sirach

my good friend sent me this today---he may have been inspired by my recent facebook posting from baruch (also from the apocrypha). (i can't quite be encouraged by this now b/c i'm depressed and angry but here it goes):

My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for
temptation.
Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of
calamity.
Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of
your life.
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be
patient.
For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of
humiliation.
Trust in him and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in
him.

Sirach 2:1-6

Let your love be strong

In this world of news, I've found nothing new
I've found nothing pure
Maybe I'm just idealistic to assume that truth
Could be fact and form
That love could be a verb
Maybe I'm just a little misinformed

As the dead moon rises, and the freeways sigh
Let the trains watch over the tides and the mist
Spinning circles in our sky's tonight
Let the trucks roll in from Los Angeles
Maybe our stars are unanimously tired

(chorus)
Let your love be strong, and I don't care what goes down
Let your love be strong enough to weather through the thunder cloud
Fury and thunder clap like stealing the fire from your eyes
All of my world hanging on your love

Let the wars begin, let my strength wear thin
Let my fingers crack, let my whole world fall apart
Train the monkeys on my back to fight
Let it start tonight
When my world explodes, when my stars touch the ground
Falling down like broken satellites

Let your love be strong, and I don't care what goes down
Let your love be strong enough to weather through the thunder cloud
Fury and thunder clap like stealing the fire from your sky's
All that i am hanging on, all of my world resting on your love

4:12 ~ switchfoot again

You've been having trouble staying asleep
You been waking up at 4:12
You roll the voices over in your head
Then you try to put them neatly on the shelf

You watch the sun rise
You saw the darkness had no choice before the dawn
With your own eyes
And then you broke out laughing from a yawn

You said, "I'm so sorry I've been so down
I started doubting things could ever turn around
And I began to believe that all we are is material
It's nonsensical"

So you walk outside and everything's new
You're looking at the world with new eyes
As if you'd never seen the sky before this blue
As if you'd never seen the sky in your whole life
And then the phone rings
As it turns out you are already late
And now you're wondering
Is peace just a temporary state?

Waiting tables and parking cars
You've been selling cell phones at the shopping mall
And you began to believe that all you are is material
It's nonsensical

I'm so sorry I've been so down
I started doubting things could ever turn around
But I still can't believe that all we are
And that all of our dreams are nothing more than material
Souls aren't built of stone
Sticks and bones

Souls aren't built of stone

Souls aren't built of stone
Sticks and bones
And souls aren't built of stone

obama

I voted for him.

circles ~ switchfoot

Another day
Another sunrise
Another factory call
Another night
Another sunset
Another freefall

Am I alive?
Am I on purpose?
Within the weakness
Within the weakness...

Spinning out in circles
In circles, in circles
Spinning out in circles
In circles, in circles

Another day
Another lifetime
Another engine stalls
Another line
Another freeway
Another freefall

I've lost all that I wanted to leave
I've lost all that I wanted to be
Don't believe that there's nothing that's true
Don't believe in this modern machine!
The modern machine

In circles

Psalm 73

21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

still a part of the plan

still a part of the plan
still a part of the plan
i am still
i am still
your boogie man

Friday, May 22, 2009

so long self - mercy me

Well if I come across a little bit distant
It's just because I am
Things just seem to feel a little bit different
You understand
Believe it or not but life is not apparently
About me anyways
But I have met the One who really is worthy
So let me say

So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self

Stop right there because I know what you're thinking
But no we can't be friends
And even though I know your heart is breaking
It ends
And come to think of it the blame for all of this
Simply falls on me
For wanting something more in life than all of this
Can't you see

So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two, so you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong, but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, good-bye, don't cry
So long

Don't feel so bad (don't feel so bad)
There'll be better days (there'll be better days)
Don't go away mad (but by all means)
Just go away,go away

So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two, so you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong, but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, good-bye, don't cry
So long self
farewell, goodbye (so long self)
farewell, goodbye (so long self)
farewell, goodbye (so long self)
farewell, goodbye (so long self)
farewell, goodbye (so long self)

so long self

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20

dead to sin, alive to God

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
~ Romans 6:5-11

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

life in the vine - wisdom from St. Cyril

I've been reading and meditating on John 15 this week, the passage where Jesus uses the metaphor of 'the vine and the branches'. (This was the passage that our pastor-friend chose for our wedding homily over 13 years ago, incidentally, so it has special meaning for me). I looked at Universalis, a great liturgical online site this morning, and it has this reading on that passage which I'll insert here:

From a commentary on the gospel of John by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop
I am the vine, you are the branches
The Lord calls himself the vine and those united to him branches in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with him, and how important it is for us to remain in his love. By receiving the Holy Spirit, who is the bond of union between us and Christ our Saviour, those who are joined to him, as branches are to a vine, share in his own nature.
On the part of those who come to the vine, their union with him depends upon a deliberate act of the will; on his part, the union is effected by grace. Because we had good will, we made the act of faith that brought us to Christ, and received from him the dignity of adoptive sonship that made us his own kinsmen, according to the words of Saint Paul: He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.
The prophet Isaiah calls Christ the foundation, because it is upon him that we as living and spiritual stones are built into a holy priesthood to be a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Upon no other foundation than Christ can this temple be built. Here Christ is teaching the same truth by calling himself the vine, since the vine is the parent of its branches, and provides their nourishment.
From Christ and in Christ, we have been reborn through the Spirit in order to bear the fruit of life; not the fruit of our old, sinful life but the fruit of a new life founded upon our faith in him and our love for him. Like branches growing from a vine, we now draw our life from Christ, and we cling to his holy commandment in order to preserve this life. Eager to safeguard the blessing of our noble birth, we are careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, and who makes us aware of God’s presence in us.
Let the wisdom of John teach us how we live in Christ and Christ lives in us: The proof that we are living in him and he is living in us is that he has given us a share in his Spirit. Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with himself and with God the Father because they have been united to him by faith and determination to do his will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence for God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

When I Drink ~ Avett Brothers

I'm glad I only drink in moderation; My big mouth gets me in enough trouble without imbibing alcohol much. Lord, have mercy.

When I drink
I say things I don't want to say
I do things I don't wanna do
I talk mean to you
But if I think
I just might get something out of this
My parents taught me to learn when I miss
Just do your best
Just do your best

It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
At least a little better than I've been so far

But when I drink
I hear things that aren't really there
I feel things when I shouldn't really care
Have fist fights with the air
But if I think about someone besides myself
I lived through the silver and the bell
With something to tell
Just do your best

It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
At least a little better than I've been so far

But when I drink
I spend the next morning in a haze
But we only get so many days
Now I have one less
Just do your best

It's the only way to keep that last bit of sanity
Maybe I don't have to be good but I can try to be
At least a little better than I've been so far
Oh, at least a little better than I've been so far

Friday, April 24, 2009

Ellis County - Buddy Miller (Written in Chalk)

Take me back when times were hard but we didn’t know it
If we ate, we had to grow it
Take me back when all we could afford was the laughter
And two mules instead of a tractor
Take me back again

Take me back where there was nothing left to throw out
There was a light that wouldn’t go out
Take me back when we had swollen fingers we gotten
When everybody helped pick the cotton
Take me back again

Take me back to places where my memory tarries
Take me back to precious things that my heart carries

Take me back when daddy led the singing on Sunday
Nobody had to plow until Monday
Take me back when I could feel the kiss of my mother
I had all of my sisters and brothers
Take me back again

Take me back to places where my memory tarries
Take me back to precious things that my heart carries

Take me back when times were hard but we didn’t know it
If we ate, we had to grow it
Take me back when all we could afford was the laughter
And two mules instead of a tractor
Take me back again

From “Ellis County”
Written by Julie Miller

quote from nouwen

"Life is not a problem to be solved
but a mystery to be entered into."
Henri Nouwen

My friend had this as his autosignature; I like it.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Lord, Save Me From Myself

by Jon Foreman---who else?

My mind is dull and shattered
From these years of buy and sell
My mind has seen the glory
Of this hollow, modern shell
Sex is a grand production
But I'm bored with that as well
Ahh-ahh-ahh
Lord save me from myself

The electric sun keeps shining
Wrapping daughters in the chrome
This world is where I breathe
Let it never be called home
Well the vultures make the money
It's where my body fell
Ahh-ahh-ahh
Lord save me from myself

The vultures make the money
But I'm bored with that as well
Ahh-ahh-ahh (3x)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Shame ~ Avett Brothers

Okay so I was wrong about
My reasons for us fallin’ out
Of love I want to fall back in

My life is different now I swear
I know now what it means to care
About somebody other than myself

I know the things I said to you
They were untender and untrue
I’d like to see those things undo

So if you could find it in your heart
To give a man a second start
I promise things won’t end the same

Shame, boatloads of shame
Day after day, more of the same
Blame, please lift it off
Please take it off, please make it stop

Okay so I have read the mail
The stories people often tell
About us that we never knew

But their existence will float away
And just like every word they say
And we will hold hands as they fade

Shame, boatloads of shame
Day after day, more of the same
Blame, please lift it off
Please take it off, please make it stop

I felt so sure of everything
My love to you so well received
And I just strutted around your town
Knowing I didn’t let you down
The truth be known, the truth be told
My heart was always fairly cold
Posing to be as warm as yours
My way of getting in your world
But now I’m out and I’ve had time
To look around and think
And sink into another world
That’s filled with guilt and overwhelming

Shame, boatloads of shame
Day after day, more of the same
Blame, please lift it off
Please take it off, please make it stop

And everyone they have a heart
And when they break and fall apart
And need somebody’s helping hand

I used to say just let ’em fall
It wouldn’t bother me at all
I couldn’t help them now I can
[ Shame Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Nothing is Sound

Everyone dies
Everyone loves a fight
Nothing is sound
Nothing is right side right
Evening comes, when the sun goes down in red
Nothing is cool
When will all the fighting end
When will all the fighting end

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out (cash out)

Everything fails
Everything runs it's course
A time and a place, for all of this love and war
Everyone buys, everyone's gotta price, and nothing is new
When will all the failures rise
When will all the failures rise, rise!

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out

Happy is a yuppie word
Blessed is the man who's lost it all
Happy is a yuppie word (word)

Looking for an orphanage
I'm looking for a bridge I can't burn down
I don't believe the emptiness
I'm looking for the kingdom coming down
Everything is meaningless
I want more than simple cash can buy
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie word
Happy is a yuppie,

Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound
Nothing is sound

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
Happy is a yuppie word (word)

So calm down, yeah!
So calm down, yeah!

~ Switchfoot
"Happy is a yuppie word"

Monday, April 6, 2009

Reasons for Burden-Casting

Psalm 55

Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
2 Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
3 because of the noise of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
and in anger they bear a grudge against me.

4 My heart is in anguish within me;
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling come upon me,
and horror overwhelms me.
6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest;
7 yes, I would wander far away;
I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah
8 I would hurry to find a shelter
from the raging wind and tempest.”

12 For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
13 But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend.
14 We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God's house we walked in the throng.
15 Let death steal over them;
let them go down to Sheol alive;
for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.

16 But I call to God,
and the Lord will save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
18 He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
19 God will give ear and humble them,
he who is enthroned from of old, Selah
because they do not change
and do not fear God.

22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.

1 Peter 5:5ff

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I've had roller coaster of a day and have had much need of casting my cares on the Lord and using some of the dear friends God has given me to share these burdens!
These words to pray and reflect on get at the heart of such heavy stuff that we face in a fallen world as sinful people seeking to love fellow sinners.

Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David on this Monday of Holy Week!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Let It Die

Foo Fighters
Let It Die lyrics
Heart of gold but it lost its pride
Beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes
I've seen your face in another light
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Why'd you have to go and let it die?
Why'd you have to go and let it die?
In too deep and out of time.
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

A simple man and his blushing bride
Intravenous, intertwined
Hearts gone cold your hands were tied
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Why'd you have to go and let it die?
Why'd you have to go and let it die?
In too deep and out of time.
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Do you ever think of me?
You're so considerate.
Do you ever think of me?
Oh, so considerate.

In too deep and lost in time
Why'd you have to go and let it die?
Beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Hearts gone cold and hands were tied.
Why'd you have to go and let it die?
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Do you ever think of me?
You're so considerate.
Did you ever think of me?
Oh, so considerate.

In too deep and lost in time
Why'd you have to go and let it die?
Beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Hearts gone cold and hands were tied.
Why'd you have to go and let it die?

Why'd you have to go and let this die?
Why'd you have to go and let this die?
Why'd you have to go and let this die?
Why'd you have to go and let this die?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

amateur lovers

Everyone I know
Needs love like drugs
Like a common cold
We could never shrug

My baby and me
We're missing the same stuff
We've all got a disease
Deficiency of love

Every day we still try
Every night we still cry
Driving home on the 805

(chorus)
We don't know what we're doing
We do it again
We're just amateur lovers
With amateur friends

I can tell you what you're thinking now
Before you think that you can settle down

We don't know what we're doing
Let's do it again

You tried to play it down
But it never stuck
I tried to build this town
I'm getting no such luck
When nobody's around
I keep my eyes on the clock
There ain't a cure I've found
In all my times around this block

Everyday we still try
Every night we still cry
Driving home on the 405

(chorus)

I can tell you what you're thinking now
Before you think that you can settle down
We don't know what we're doing
Let's do it again

Sunday, March 15, 2009

stop the presses - Doug's becoming a man

I am a 40 year old man and i'm starting to act like one---neither a passive wimp nor an angry bully---but an assertive, confident man! this is revolutionary---it's hard and i will feel tempted to go back and do towards the other styles of relating.
but it is now my firm intention to act like a true man...suffer like one, love like one, serve like one---you get the picture.
i am wild at heart and want to express my heart....i don't agree with everything eldredge says in his book but i think he's really on to something when he talks about men needing an 'adventure to live', 'a beauty to rescue' and 'a battle to fight' as i recall.

my one friend has encouraged me in a deep way to live as a Warrior-Poet instead of a dreamer-destroyer--i was reminded today (edit on 3/19/2009)
by God's grace and strength, this is my aim for my wife, boys, friends and others---come what may.
thanks for reading, loyal ones.

shalom to you-

Friday, March 13, 2009

suffering with jesus - Psalm 69

Jesus understands and has gone through everything we have and more.
And he bore all our sins on his body on the Cross - 1 Peter 3.

here's part of Psalm 69 from the lectionary today which spoke loudly to my own, struggling, weary heart today.

19 You know my reproach,
and my shame and my dishonor;
my foes are all known to you.
20 Reproaches have broken my heart,
so that I am in despair.
I looked for pity, but there was none,
and for comforters, but I found none.
21 They gave me poison for food,
and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

pearls before swine

i'm increasingly learning the wisdom of 'not casting my pearls before swine'!
you have to trust your 'gut' or intuition. Live and learn as they say. Related to this is Jesus' admonition to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves."
Matthew 7:6 is the reference where Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount:
"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."

The ESV study bible has this to say about 'pearls' in this verse:
Pearls symbolize the great value of the message of the kingdom of heaven (cf. Matt. 13:45–46). Believers are to be merciful, forgiving, and slow to judge (7:1–5), yet they should wisely discern the true character of people and not indefinitely continue proclaiming the gospel to those who adamantly reject it, so that they can move on and proclaim the gospel to others (cf. 10:14; also Acts 13:46; 18:6; Titus 3:10–11).

I think the commentator is right on but I also believe that 'pearls' can refer analogously to important values we hold dear which are kingdom related---our sense of calling, family, etc.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

the exile and his friends ~ Alan Jacobs' article

I was thinking of this wonderful quote from Samuel Johnson cited by Alan Jacobs in a marvelous book of his essays. I first heard the audio version put out by Mars Hill Audio and read by the author, one of our best in the Christian community.
I was gladdened to find a link to the article which I forwarded to a friend with the said quote. Hope my readers find it encouraging!

http://www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=5942

the greatest sum ~ Avett Brothers lyrics (love this song)

Listen, who I used to be
Don't matter much at all to me.
To pin you down, to plant your feet's
a far cry from my destiny.

Not even the clouds,
Not even the past,
Not even the hands of God
could hold back from you.


Dark and lonely is the ride,
the devil always by my side.
Though no match for what lies between
the thought of you,
your trust for me.

Not even the sun,
A bullet from a gun,
No, nothing that this world could bring or
Anything someone could do
Could hold me back from you.

No can of gold placed in my hand,
the largest find,
the greatest sum.
Though some would say
It'd ease our pain,
We know that it can't be done.

Not even the sun,
Not even the clouds.
Not even the past,
No, nothing that this world can bring or anything someone can do,
Could hold me back from you.
Could hold me back from you.
Could hold me back from you.


(Thanks to Jen for these lyrics)
[ The Greatest Sum Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Lent

http://www.thetransformingcenter.org/pdf/ash09.pdf

good night!

p.s. bebs

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

ash wednesday

the beginning of Lent is today.
I will strive to focus by God's grace on changing myself where needed---serenity and Lord's prayers are continual models and instruments.

Collect of the Day: Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

end of the day

I've seen the end of the day come too soon
Not a lot to say, not a lot to do
You played the game, you owe nothing to yourself
Rest a day, for tomorrow you can't tell
You can't tell

I've seen the end of the day come too late
Seen the love you had turning into hate
Had to act like I didn't even care
But I did so I got stranded standing there
Standing there

It's nothing that I haven't seen before
But it still kills me like it did before
No it's nothing that I haven't seen before
But it still kills me like it did before

I've seen the end of the day come too soon
Like the prison dogs they set out after you
You owe nothing to the past but wasted time
To serve a sentence that was only in your mind
In your mind

It's nothing that I haven't seen before
But it still kills me like it did before
No it's nothing that I haven't seen before.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

ENFP ~ Hello Quizzy Personality Test

our result for The Brutally Honest Personality Test ...
Scumbag- ENFP
(kudos to Ron Nelson of dimlit.org for pointing out this test in his blog. I dig these kinds of things and this is certainly the most tactless version i've seen of the MBTI--ha...if you take it, let me know your results).

60% Extraversion, 87% Intuition, 13% Thinking, 0% Judging

Scumbag- ENFP
I have a feeling you're not going to like this much. Do I care? No. How do I know? It's because you hate criticism. You love to be loved and you'll do anything to be accepted.

Unfortunately for you, I can see right through your insincere compliments and over-the-top greetings. No matter what you do, I'll always hate you for what you are. An arrogant, unstable, overly enthusiastic scumbag.

I bet you're pretty proud of your accomplishments, huh? You seem to achieve at whatever you put your little mind too. Trust me. Nobody likes the person who is good at everything. NOBODY LIKES YOU.

This might also have something to do with the fact that you're a cheating machine. You're just not the type of person to make long-term commitments. You enjoy seeing "what could be", rather than being satisfied with "what is." This, of course, means you often leave others in the dust while you seek out another lover.

Well, at least you're not the one left in the dust.

Unfortunately, when you're the one lying in the gutter with a bloody knife in your back, you might think differently.

f you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check out this.

*****************

The other personality types are as follows…

Loner - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Pushover - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Criminal - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Borefest - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging

Almost Perfect - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

Freak - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging

Loser - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving

Crackpot - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

Clown - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Sap - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Commander - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Do Gooder - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging

Busybody - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging

Prick - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving

Dictator - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

Take The Brutally Honest Personality Test at HelloQuizzy

*****************

If you enjoyed that test, make sure you check out my latest venture: The Presidential Capacity Quiz - It's much shorter, just as fun and just as accurate. Find out how far you would get in the race for President. Are you fit to rule the free world?

therapeutic camping and backpacking

I returned this afternoon from a tremendous trip to the Pinnacle north of Reading, PA with 3 amigos, dear brothers in the Lord, who share my love of nature, and were willing to hike and camp in freezing or near freezing temperatures in February. It's been years since I've done this and this is the first time I've done it in the Winter.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. My muscles are sore, as is my throat, I got little sleep and I was damned cold but it was a rich experience in many ways. It was good to test one's self out in nature. And I love the roaring fire. The shot of bourbon, the beef jerkey, the laughter, stories and physical exercise in the midst of some beautiful scenery made it all very worthwhile!
It was great hiking out of our camp site today. It snowed gently much of the time and the quiet except for our own footfall, occasional talking, was refreshing to my soul.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

practicing gratitude

today, my spirits have been lifted some.
i try not to take such things for granted.
i'm seeking to live more in the present---easier said than done but worth the effort.
i'm grateful for several blessings in my life even in the midst
of the hardship, unfulfilled dreams, and intense struggles.

may grace and peace be ours in abundance (2 Pet 1:2)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

self-hatred

pray for me or think of me, a weary sinner as i seek to renounce this force of 'self-hatred'. leanne payne calls it one of the 3 great barriers towards finding completeness in Christ. i think she's on to something.
i certainly am often filled with it.
have tried to renounce it other times, thought of christian identity statements, read books etc.
i so want to experience the love of christ in my life and heart!
at times, i sense it some and am grateful.

i journaled tonight about some of the past and present sources of this self-hatred, this pernicious, disabling evil. such thoughts often flood my mind, muddying my awareness of God and of others.
it's not the same as narcissism though it can seem like it.

i so want to daily experience the true acceptance of knowing that I am Christ's dearly beloved son. All that is of true of Jesus is true of me but so often this self-hatred and other factors obstruct me from believing it and from experiencing it--when temptation comes, conflict arises, hard tasks are before me, etc.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Bible reading program for Shirkers & Slackers

After obsessing which I do yearly over which Bible reading plan if any to adopt for the new year, I had pondered and semi-resolved to do a fairly ambitious plan from my new ESV Study Bible--not as involved as the classic McCheyne plan where you read the NT twice, the Psalms twice and the OT once--but still a weighty, consecutive plan.
After falling behind within the first week while dealing with significant mood swings and struggles, I had a plan 'crisis' and re-thought what I should do if any.
I was drawn back to a plan I first heard of several years ago in the excellent Critique magazine put out my Ransom Fellowship. Margie Haack, the female half of the dynamic team of that blessed ministry recounts her struggle which is a very common one, I bet, of trying to stick with a Bible reading plan especially in getting through the 'boring parts' as we deal with the often hectic pace of modern life.
This plan has merits. It also has weight as you'll see. It will take you through the entire Bible at your own pace by having you read 7 different parts of Scripture during the week---one different section per day--so if you miss a day, you can always come back and read it next week or read it at your leisure. She herself got through the Bible in a year and a half.
Here's the link:
http://www.ransomfellowship.org/articledetail.asp?AID=378&B=Margie%20Haack&TID=7

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Your love is Strong lyrics ~ Jon Foreman

This song has nourished my spirit lately. I like how he interweaves the Lord's prayer and a sentiment from Psalm 62. I cry from joy, sorrow, anxiety as well as from eager anticipation for the reign of God to be more fully established among us:

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let Your kingdom come in my world
And in my life

Give me the food I need
To live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
The people that wrong me

Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place

I walk to the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town

The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

Thursday, January 15, 2009

...but the water keeps on falling from my eyes

the cure for pain---yes, friend or two, another jon foreman lyric.
i don't have the energy to blog much (at least not anything of any real substance)--but i am doing some journaling and that can be therapeutic.

I'm not sure why it always flows downhill
Why broken cisterns never could stay filled
I've spent ten years singing gravity away
But the water keeps on falling from the sky

And here tonight while the stars are blacking out
With every hope and dream I've ever had in doubt
I've spent ten years trying to sing these doubts away
But the water keeps on falling from my eyes

And heaven knows... heaven knows
I tried to find a cure for the pain
Oh my Lord! to suffer like you do...
It would be a lie to run away

So blood is fire pulsing through our veins
We're either riders or fools behind the reigns
I've spent 10 years trying to sing it all away
but the water keeps on falling from my tries

resurrect me

another jon foreman song---i like this guy:

It takes a long time to kill a man
Fifty-five years at least
Until he breaks down
Starts to look underground
And go off and get him some peace

I want to die a lot quicker than that
If it's my only way out
I've been counting up the cost
Getting up on that cross
Wanna know what this is all about

Father time
Steals our days
Like a thief
There's no Price
That I wouldn't pay
To get some relief
I've become
The empy shell
Of a man I like so well
I am a living, breathing hell
Come on and resurrect me

I tried to drown the pain with a friend of mine
It didn't seem to help
Oh, she's got a pretty face with a wedding lace
But I'm still waking up with myself

I know what it means to choke it down
Driving 'til your legs get weak
I know what it's like on a Saturday night
To be alone in a crowded street

Father time
Steals our days
Like a thief
There's no Price
That I haven't paid
To get some relief
I've become
The shell of a man
I can't begin to even understand
Have I forgotten who I am?
Come on and resurrect me
Resurrect me
Resurrect me
Resurrect me
Resurrect me
Resurrect me
Come on and resurrect me
[ Resurrect Me Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

blog theme verse

Since I'm up (for some reason, my blog is showing me on Pacific Standard time now?),
I want to post one theme verse I have in mind for the title of my blog.
It's taken from 1 Peter chapter 1 in the New Testament:
1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

I like Peter's benediction here in this last phrase. I cannot say it any better. And this is my wish or longing for all my friends and family members as well as myself, a 'redeemed sinner' living in exile. For in one sense as the old hymn put it: "this world is not my home, i'm just a passing through..."
I think of the old Petra song--"We are strangers, we are aliens, we are not of this world". It's my prayer for myself and others that we would be "joyful exiles" that lovely phrase from the venerable James Houston in his recent book.

Grace and peace to you

Monday, January 5, 2009

quote from luther as we begin the new year

I've found this to be a helpful one to which I've returned again and again as I seek to grow in the Christian life: deal with sin, mature in righteousness, etc.
I can't remember which book I first saw this in.

"This life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road."
Martin Luther

verse for the new year? or at least for this week.

This was in today's reading from a daily devotional booklet I use from time to time:

He who restrains his lips is wise
~Proverbs 10:19

I might have avoided many scrapes over the year if I'd have more consistently followed such counsel. But my time is not over yet...

The War of Wordsby Paul Tripp is a very helpful, convicting book on this general topic. I watched much of the video series in a 'marriage enrichment' group a year ago.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

psalm 139 prayer from CCP

Lord,
who created and fashioned us,
who knows us and searches us out,
who abides with us through light and dark:
help us to know your presence in this life
and, in the life to come, still to be with you;
where you are alive and reign,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

psalm 3 ~ my glory and the lifter up of my head

I'm reading through the Bible this year (at least that's the plan) using the ESV Study Bible plan since I recently bought this precious resource. Here's today's Psalm:
3:1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul,
there is no salvation for him in God. Selah [1]

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people! Selah

I'm struck by that phrase in v. 3- about the Lord being "my glory and the lifter of my head". When I'm feeling downcast which I happen to feel today, it's important to know at some level, that I do not have to lift up my own head on my head but can cry out to the Lord to do this for me. He may and has used others to aid in this task.

I cry out to the Lord today in my brokenness and in my sin.

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

This was likely not written or prayed by Francis himself but very much partakes of his spirit. See this helpful website for more info:
http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/stfrancis.htm

how to fight loneliness

from wilco- summerteeth

How to fight loneliness
Smile all the time
Shine your teeth til meaningless
Sharpen them with lies
And whatevers going down
Will follow you around
That's how you fight loneliness
You laugh at every joke
Drag your blanket blindly
Fill your heart with smoke
And the first thing that you want
Will be the last thing you ever need
That's how you fight it
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time
Just smile all the time

envy

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,
but envy makes the bones rot.

this can be a particularly alluring sin for the exile.